The Additional Attorney General has informed the Islamabad High Court that a government delegation will soon travel to the United States to address the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The delegation is set to include former and current parliamentarians, senators, retired or active military officials, medical professionals, and Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s sister, Fauzia Siddiqui.
A Foreign Ministry representative told the court that a proposal for a Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) has been shared with US authorities. The court hearing included Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Fauzia Siddiqui’s lawyer Imran Shafiq, and court assistant Zainab Janjua. Janjua noted that Fauzia Siddiqui has requested a medical evaluation for her sister and emphasized that doctors should be sent from Pakistan for this purpose. The government’s lawyer confirmed that the Prime Minister has approved the delegation’s visit.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq inquired about the Foreign Ministry’s role and expected timeline for the PTA response, to which the representative replied that feedback from the US might be forthcoming soon. The case hearing was adjourned until the following week.
In parallel, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally appealed to US President Joe Biden to release Dr. Aafia Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds. In his letter, PM Sharif highlighted that Dr. Siddiqui has been serving an 86-year sentence in FMC Carswell since 2010, with serious concerns raised regarding her deteriorating mental and physical health. The PM’s plea expressed the hope that President Biden would grant clemency, given her longstanding confinement and the pressing concerns regarding her wellbeing.
PM Sharif wrote that, as the leader of Pakistan, he has a duty to advocate for his citizens’ welfare and requested President Biden to view Dr. Siddiqui’s case with compassion. He expressed that millions in Pakistan, along with Dr. Siddiqui’s family, were hopeful for a positive response. Noting Biden’s history of advocating for citizens’ rights, especially those held captive abroad, PM Sharif urged the president to exercise his constitutional authority and release Dr. Siddiqui on humanitarian grounds as a gesture of friendship and goodwill between the two nations.
